share and share alike

Definitions

1. 1

   For members of a group, equal portions of or equal access to tangible or intangible…

   For members of a group, equal portions of or equal access to tangible or intangible goods, entitlements, or obligations—i.e., each person's share like each of the other shares. Often used in a context of reciprocity, or pooling resources.

   • "No, no, share and share alike," he cried. "All sink or all swim, and the devil take the flincher."
2. 2

   Equal rights to or equal portions of profits, assets, bequests, or other valuable items…

   Equal rights to or equal portions of profits, assets, bequests, or other valuable items legally owed to investors, partners, beneficiaries, or other named associates. If one beneficiary is unable to benefit (for instance, if they have died), their share is divided among the others.

   • "And your father and mine have purchased all this land in company, you say—share and share alike, as the lawyers call it."
   • [O]n his decease, the principal to be equally divided between Peggotty, little Emily, and me, or the survivor or survivors of us, share and share alike.
3. 3

   To divide possessions, benefits, or obligations equally among members of a group.

   • "Our money will soon be gone at that rate," said Jack soberly. "Mine is already gone." "No, it isn't, Jack. We are going to share and share alike, you know."
   • In Wisconsin, the childhood rule to share and share alike became the law of the land for married couples under the state's new marital property law.

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